Embattled nightclub operator indicted on federal gun charge

Until recently, Eichel operated Silverado’s Dance Hall, later known as Yea Baby’s, on Murfreesboro Road. Those nightclubs were padlocked and deemed public nuisances by the Metro Nashville Police Department in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Eichel’s lengthy criminal record includes federal drug charges that date back to the 1970s, according to an MNPD report. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a distribution of narcotics charge in 1976.

Due to his past convictions, Eichel is prohibited from owning or possessing a handgun. But according to the federal indictment filed Thursday, Eichel was in possession of an Inter Ordnance Hellcat pistol on Oct. 5, the same day police padlocked Yea Baby’s[1].

Eichel could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.